King Conservation Science Scholars

The Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science Scholars Program is an engaging way for teens to learn more about animals and conservation, network with others and make a difference in their communities while preparing for college and future careers. Through interactive workshops, activities, interpretation, research opportunities and community action projects, King Conservation Science Scholars gain knowledge along with college readiness, leadership, and career skills. With the support of Zoo professionals and community partners, participants will be encouraged to pursue their chosen careers with a conservation mindset. The program will recruit students to the programs twice a year, in the fall and spring.

Students fulfill the program’s 120 volunteer hours annually by choosing workshops and other opportunities that fit their schedules and interests (full Program Requirements can be found here). Workshops and activities will take place both in Chicago (specific locations to be determined) and at Brookfield Zoo. A series of Foundation Courses are required in the first year including topics like: Diversity Awareness, Introduction to Conservation and Customer Service. After that, students can select from a variety of workshops to attend within the categories of Science, Environmental Education, College Prep and Career Readiness (some examples are below).

After at least one year of successful participation, King Conservation Science Scholars are invited to apply for college scholarships and paid positions at Brookfield Zoo, which will be available only to program participants. All these experiences culminate to prepare students for college, to apply for jobs, develop their own action projects, and to become leaders in their communities.

Conservation Hot Topics: The Conservation Hot Topics series covers a wide variety of issues facing our Earth’s climate. From larger ideas like Climate Change to more detailed ‘hot topics’ on the Palm Oil Crisis and Coral Bleaching, this series will take you through these ideas, step-by-step, allowing for a clear understanding of them.

Introduction to Animal Observations: Introduction to Animal Observations will train you in different methods of observing our animals at Brookfield Zoo. This can lead to doing an Independent Research Project, Zookeeper Shadowing, and great experience for working in the field with wildlife in the future.

Destination Station: Interpretation Basics: The Destination Station series focuses on training you further in interpretation and gives you more detailed information about the animals in Brookfield Zoo’s Collection. Interpretation is how we engage with our guests and will allow you to grow vastly in your communication/public speaking and customer service skills.

Career & College Readiness Courses: We offer a wide variety of College and Career Readiness Courses to allow for your personal growth and development. Our courses will aid in creating the perfect resume or college application, and will give you great tips on topics from applying for financial aid and how to prepare for an interview. One of our sessions, called Someone You Should Know, introduces you to many different individuals (Dr. Stuart Strahl, CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society; Dr. Kate Evans, Co-founder of Elephants for Africa; and many more!) who have already make their mark in their field.

Exhibit Interpretation: Program participants learn how to effectively interact with our guests at different exhibits throughout the zoo; showing their animal knowledge but also spreading conservation messages.

Special Events: Participants can volunteer at a variety of special events such as Summer Nights, Boo at the Zoo, and Holiday Magic.

Behind the Scenes Tours: Participants have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals through these unique behind the scenes opportunities.

Keeper Shadowing: The King Conservation Science Scholars program is definitely a great way to start learning what it takes to be an animal care specialist; more commonly known as a zookeeper.

Research & Community Action Projects: King Conservation Science Scholars are encouraged to pursue independent research projects under the guidance of our team and the collaboration of staff in various areas around the zoo. Areas for independent projects may include but are not limited to Animal Programs and Conservation Education.

Field Trips: In this program, teens will get the opportunity to attend field trips to other zoological institutions. We also do college visits as part of college readiness requirement. The goal is to keep participants immersed in the zoo culture and thinking about furthering their interests in conservation topics.

King Conservation Science Scholars Teen Advisory Council: This is a unique opportunity for participants to develop their leadership skills within the program. Members of the council help plan events such as the Teen Conservation Leadership Conference; and work together with staff to suggest improvements to the King Conservation Science Scholars Program.

“The Scholars Program has been a very accepting place for people with disabilities. I have autism and sometimes I have a hard time talking to people and doing other things. It helped a lot with my social skills. I have friends in the Scholars Program now.” Graduating King Scholar

“…We are experiencing a dream come true to observe the personal growth and advancement of our daughter, and at the same time know that she can, does, and will affect the lives of those around her in her future endeavors as she moves into adulthood.” Parent of King Scholar

“I was built up to be a conservation leader, and found not only my calling to advocate for our natural environment, but also the confidence and skills to follow that dream in the first place. This program was an inspiring, cultivating, and life-changing experience.”Graduating King Scholar

Each year, two cohorts are recruited; one for Spring/Summer and another for Fall/Winter. Applications are accepted February through the end of April and August through the end of October for each cohort.

This is a High School program. Applicants must have completed 8th grade by the time they start the program. We actively recruit incoming Freshmen through incoming Juniors.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 verified by their school counselor; two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or coaches, and a completed essay prompt.